Meet Shelsey Sybrandts | Barber & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelsey Sybrandts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelsey, do you have a budget? How do you make lifestyle and spending decisions?
I’ve been using a budget since 2017 and it has changed the way I do everything such as how I successfully reach specific goals. I treat my finances as a gift and trust to me to use wisely and effectively. I learned how to use my budget to give me permission to spend rather than restrict me. Budgets get a bad rap but they give you more freedom than you realize. I’ve read finance books and tried different techniques to save money and spend it intentionally. I find Dave Ramsey’s baby steps to be the most helpful and simple to follow. Following his advice I’ve become debt free, been able to meet saving goals, float through financial hardships of a pandemic and cash flow my entire business venture of opening my own barbershop. Sinking funds are amazing also to help save for bigger expenses. You put the few dollars away every week or day and watch it grow without realizing you’re missing those few bills. I live simple and frugal which helps with meeting saving goals. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything because what I want I budget for and I also look forward to have ‘future Shelsey’s’ back. When I receive my earned income I put money aside for taxes, tithing and saving. Anything left goes to the needed expenses. If there is even more left after that then it goes into a sinking fund, savings or I spend it on something I’ve had my eye on! I said earlier how budgeting helps me reach specific goals, it’s important to have goals and a why. Why am I saving (instead of spending) money, what for? Is it to buy a new car with cash? Be debt free? Save for a wedding? To stop living paycheck to paycheck? Have an emergency fund? Having a reason for that money gives you the drive to complete a goal if you just put money away to put it away you won’t be as focused to make big moves in your saving habits. You also learn when you start budgeting where you’re money is going! Sometimes people live above their means or paycheck to paycheck with a strong income because they don’t pay attention to their spending habits. I’ve learned after tracking my spending that I’m a foodie. I plan to put more in my food category. Yours may be clothes or decor! You can accept it and make sure you can budget for your favorite things or find that it’s important to start cutting back spending. Get creative try something new if this is the case. Learn to cook! Go thrifting for new clothing and decor! But make sure it’s in the budget and that you prioritize your needed expenses like the roof over your head first. I suggest reading Dave Ramsey’s book The Total Money Makeover and listening to his podcasts. It changed my life. Right now I’m reading a book called The Wealthy Barber -everyone’s common sense guide to becoming financially independent, which is fitting for me and my profession and goals. One of my favorite money sayings is: “If you burn more calories than you eat, you lose weight. If you spend less than you earn, you save money!” If you currently don’t have a budget I’d suggest thinking about doing your future self a hand and getting one started!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Beetle Barber is a classic men’s barbershop. Detailed cuts, razor shaves and good conversation. I provide a clean, inviting and killer place for my guys to chill out and get a top notch grooming experience. I’ve always been proud and excited about the work I do on these guys’ noggins but now I have a space completely my own where I’m stoked on how it looks and feels. There are a lot of neat and quirky things to look at while you receive your service. But also the room maintains good cohesive colors and is aesthetically pleasing. My parents were both small business owners they helped me learn what it takes to be independent and work towards offering a good memorable service. I strive to maintain professionalism along side relatability just as they have done. So I wanted to learn from them how I could be myself and still offer a respectable experience. Some things about opening my own business came easily, my enthusiasm for doing something I view as unique but authentic was effortless. When it came to organizing and making the right moves in actually running the business and getting it off the ground I had help and compiled mentors to lead me. Asking questions to who have walked the walk or who know more than I do about either my industry or running any sort of business has opened my eyes and also doors I wouldn’t of been able to get to on my own. I’ve learned also it’s ok to ask for help and guidance from others. And then I’ve realized it is important to listen and learn from myself too. What do I want to do? It is my business after all so the freedom is there. If I want to hang a Bigfoot mount in my suite I can do that (a must see btw). If I want to take off time to reflect on life and where I want to go from here with my work, I can do that too. I’m my own boss and sometimes I need a reminder. I’m doing this for me too so I need do things that make me happy and excited so I can show up the best barber I can- everyday. I want these fellas to know while they are in my chair it’s about THEM. They are important and heard. If they aren’t being shown that then I’m not doing my job. You deserve a good haircut and a friendly barber who looks forward to talking with you about your life and offering what you need for your service that day and the days to come. I love that I get to do this and I hope that these guys will see it shine through.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Loveland and NOCO in general is a great area to visit. Loveland in particular is more of a sleepy town compared to the ones around it. Which I very much enjoy. The people are nice, mountain views are exquisite and there are great eats to munch down on. There are a lot of local businesses that are GOLD. If I were to eat I would break it up into which meal. You’re looking for breakfast (and even lunch) go see my friends at Just A Pinch Bakery! Mid-day I’d grab some Riki’s for chicken which shares the outlet area with The Suites at Shear NV salon where Beetle Barber is (lovely neighborhood btw.) Dinner would be special at either Durbar for some knockout Chicken Tikka Masala and Aloo Naan or Origins for a ‘Honey Love’ wood fire pizza and beet salad that sends you into the best food coma. Drinks I’m gonna have you take a swing over to Crow Hop for a beer or if you don’t mind a little drive, head up to FOCO’s The Social for a ‘romancing the stone’ and salmon pâté in their unique speakeasy. While you’re in the area you need to get up in nature or see a live show, I recommend finding UA (Unauthorized Absence) a classic rock cover band they will blow your mind. Enjoy there’s much more waiting to be discovered.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my Shoutout to Karen Legros instructor at Cheeks Beauty Academy. She gave me the courage to walk into my industry with confidence. She held the watering can needed to help me sprout. After her leadership the watering can was passed to L’aura owner of Daddy-O’s barbershop who guided me in my love for men’s cutting and helped me see what makes a great barber. I give thanks to my friends family and coworkers throughout the years in the profession, their support, help and kind words make me who I am today. Now I’m on my own and still have people I look to and seek advice from as a new business owner. All the ladies here at the Suites at Shear NV are inspiring and lovely to be around. They have been inviting and a new source of joy to my environment. And of course my clients who believed in me and followed me as I was seeking my dream. They are the life blood and I am so blessed.       

Website: beetlebarber.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/beetlebarber?igshid=1mpyx6obxe6gt

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/beetlebarber

Yelp: https://yelp.to/wYnkrCd6hdb

Image Credits
Wild Eyes Photography and Jessica LaSalle Hair Studio’s Instagram story